This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 6.

Module aims

This module aims to develop a knowledge and understanding of the development of the Arts and their impact on contemporary French and Francophone society, and to provide with the vocabulary and concepts necessary to analyse and discuss cultural and artistic issues in France and the French-speaking world.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed

Have acquired knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of the Arts in the French-speaking world.

KC

Be able to evaluate critically texts (including multimedia) relating to the Arts.

KCPT

Be able to extract linguistic and cultural aspects from the texts under examination.

KCT

Have acquired an appreciation of the importance of the Arts in French and Francophone society.

KC

Be able to undertake independent research into related areas and present their ideas in written form, using a range of sources.

KCPT

Be able to undertake independent research and present their ideas in an oral presentation.

KCPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Definition of the Arts
History of the Arts in France
Focus on specific areas: theatre, music, dance, film, painting, sculpture
Arts policy and related political issues
Development of the Arts in the French-speaking world
Dissemination and reception of French Arts in the world
Cultural production (the Artistic and cultural industry)
The Arts in society
The development of ‘celebrity culture’ in France.

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Enable students to develop their language skills as a medium for understanding, expression and communication, through listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language;
Enable students to acquire explicit knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers through attending classes and reading in the target language;
Encourage student participation and learner autonomy, through small group classes, reading outside contact hours and participating in seminars;
Develop research skills, through reading and presenting findings, through informal class presentations and in the written assignment;
Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and interpret texts and other cultural products, through attending classes and engaging in individual study.
Develop communication skills through interactions in class;
Acquire a broad knowledge of the artistic productions in France.

The learning and teaching methods include:

Two contact hours per week over Semester 2.
Classes will include lectures and seminars;
students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

Knowledge and understanding of the use of the target language;
Ability to analyse and interpret texts;
Ability to select and synthesise information from written and oral texts;
Ability to take notes effectively and use IT skills to find and present relevant information;
Subject-specific knowledge of French language in an artistic environment.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

written assignment of 2500 words (to be submitted after week 10). Takes the form of an analytical essay enabling students to develop subject specific knowledge, improve their written French, and develop research skills.
In-class presentation. Students present a piece of art, in French. Assesses ability to speak in an accurate and appropriate French, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topic,

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module.
Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments.
Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2017/8 academic year.